Tim Gilbert: father, hockey supporter and lawyer, responds to the overwhelming public reaction to the Spirit Challenge Cup.

We are overwhelmed and excited by the response that we have had so far to the SPIRIT CHALLENGE CUP™. It confirms what we have always believed – that the spirit of hockey in Canada is a powerful, unstoppable force. We love this game collectively as players, fans, kids and adults. And we believe that the best team playing in the land should win the Stanley Cup, just as Lord Stanley of Preston intended when he granted the cup to the benefit of all Canadians.

We sincerely hope the NHL and the NHLPA resolve their differences and save their 2012-2013 season. But if that does not happen, we also believe that Lord Stanley still meant for the Cup to be awarded. We think he would be disappointed to find a labour dispute preventing his challenge cup from celebrating excellence in hockey.

And so, in the spirit of fair play that defines our game, we propose a tournament to restore the Stanley Cup to its roots as a challenge cup, even just for one year. We aim to settle on a plan by January 18, 2013. But right now, more than anything, we need your ideas and your support.

One thought on “Tim Gilbert: father, hockey supporter and lawyer, responds to the overwhelming public reaction to the Spirit Challenge Cup.”

Awarded to the Canadian amateur team that best reflects the goals, and embodies the spirit of fair and skillful ice hockey competition, according to the wishes of Lord Stanley, the Patron Saint of ice hockey.

Polls

With the NHL lockout over, do you think there should still be a challenge cup competition to determine the best amateur team in Canada?